Improvement in clothes-frames



UNITED .STATES JOHN C. MILLER, OF ROGKPORT, INDIANA.

IMPROVEMENT IN CLOTHES-FRAMES.

Specification `forming fart oi' Letters Patent No. 146,087, datedDecember 30, 1873; application filed August 2, 1873.

` To all whom it may concern:

` part of this specification, and to the letters and iigures ofreference marked thereon.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a representation of my clothes-frames insection, and Fi g. 2 is a plan view of the same.

My invention relates to what is usually known as clothes-frames57 and itconsists in two bars pivoted together, forming one side piece oftheclothes-frames, and two of such side pieces connected by means of anumber of round bars, in a series of cords attached to the top roundsand tightened by means of ratchet-wheel and pawl at one end of one ofthe top rounds, all as more fully hereinafter set forth.

Like letters of reference indicate correspond ing parts.

A A represent two bars, which are, a suitable distance from their lowerends, bent, or form a knee, a, as shown in Fig. 1. The two bars A A are,at these knees, pivoted by means of the end of a round bar, B, passingthrough them, the other end of said round passing through the knees oftwo similar bars. The corresponding bars of the two side pieces thusformed are further connected by means of a 4 number of rounds, (l C,both above and below the knees a a. On one ofthe rounds C, above theknees, are pivoted two arms, D D, one at each end, the outer ends ofwhich arms are notched or hooked, as shown in Fig. l, form ing latchesto catch on a round on the oppo site side. These latches may catch onany of the rounds on the opposite side, and thus hold the clothes-framesmore or less extended, as may be desired. The top rounds E of theclothes-frames, thus constructed, are connected by means of a series ofcords, G G, and one of these top rounds is at one end provided with aratchet-wheel, b, into which works a pawl, d, pivoted on the bar A. Thisratchet-wheel and pawl should be made of galvanized iron, or othersuitable metal that will'not rust. The top round, to which theratchetwhecl b is Sccured, is made so as to turn in its bearings in thebars A A, so that the cords G G may be tightened or regulated accordingto as the clothes-frames are spread more or less.

The clothes-frame thus constructed takes up comparatively little room,while it ai'ords a large amount of surface upon which to hang clothes.When not necessary for use, it can be folded and put away, taking up butlittle room.

I am well aware that cords, ratchet-wheels, and pawls are not new inbedsteads, and therefore I do not claim such invention broadly.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The clothes-frame described,l having barsA A, connected at the knees-aby the bar B, the top rounds E, provided with the cords G,

ratchet-wheel b, and pawl d, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the above I have hereunto subscribed my namein the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN C. MILLER. Witnesses:

J. WYTTENBACII, N. P. BANKS.

